By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Negros Occidental’s provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, yesterday said several hospitals in southern part of the province are currently facing problems that were caused by super typhoon “Odette.”.
According to Diaz, the Valeriano M. Gatuslao Memorial District Hospital in Himamaylan City is currently experiencing issues with the stability of their power supply.
He said some of the hospital’s medical equipment are beginning to break down due to low voltage.
To avoid further damage, Diaz said he advised the hospital management to fully utilize the generator sets to stabilize their power supply.
Aside from the power issue, Diaz also revealed other problems such as in the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City, which also suffered flood-related damages during Odette’s onslaught last month.
According to Diaz, despite the thorough cleanup at the hospital, the stench left behind by the floodwaters remains.
The issue is also being addressed with the Bureau of Fire Protection in Kabankalan City regularly bringing in water supply to help in cleaning the hospital premises.
In Sipalay City, the Merceditas J. Montilla District Hospital suffered extensive structural damage.
Diaz said a representative from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is set to visit the hospital in order to assess and determine the cost of the damages.
After which, the GSIS may release funds which will be used to repair the hospital.
“Ang damage ara sa roofing, tapos may iban nga parts sang hospital ang na-compromise gid kay na-expose sia to the elements,” Diaz said.
The Eleuterio T. Decena Memorial Hospital in the town of Hinoba-an also suffered damages, although Diaz said it wasn’t too serious compared to the Sipalay City hospital.
Previously, the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City also suffered damages brought by the typhoon./DGB, WDJ